As you’re probably already aware bombing a hill isn’t exactly a walk-in the-park.
In fact, it’s downright dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Aside from helmets and a butt-load of experience, there are other precautions you can take to ensure your safety on your next downhill run.
First and foremost, and I don’t care how much experience you have, you should def keep yourself FULLY with the myriad of different pads made specifically for the different areas of the body…
Hip Pads
As the name implies, these are pads that are designed to protect the hips. As a beginner at downhill longboarding, there is a great chance for you to fall on your hip often. This doesn’t only protect your hips but your wait area as well. Some people may not consider them essential but they are as important as other protective gear as well.
People might think that it would be enough to get knee pads and elbow pads because it can help whenever we fall but we don’t always fall on our knees and elbows. Many times, we fall in awkward positions and we land on various parts of the body. Even if you fall on your knee or elbow and they have pads, your hips and back can have an impact on the ground as well.
Wearing them will help prevent hip injuries as well as bruises over the area. With them equipped, it is more likely for you to get up and continue your activity when you fall.
There are various hip pads available in the market today. Smaller riders will do well with g-form types. These have thinner pads but are still able to absorb much impact. However, if you are on the heavier side, it is best to get those that have EVA foams and a plastic tailbone. These are durable and hold up well with multiple falls.
Knee Pads
These are the pads that protect the knee area and are one of the things that you should buy if you are a beginner at downhill longboarding.
Falling on the knees is common for beginners and more experienced longboarders alike. Injury on the knees can hinder you from getting back on your feet once you fall badly on them.
Some knee pads have a hardshell while others have a softshell. Those with softshell pads are flexible and breathable but they are still capable of absorbing impact. Their flexibility makes them more comfortable to wear. Additionally, they are also suitable for those who prefer low profile gears but they won’t be able to greatly help with abrasion. They are likely to tear when they skid over the ground multiple times.
Hardshell pads are what you should get if you want to protect against abrasion. They resist abrasion well but they are bulkier. However, due to their toughness, most will advise beginners to get this kind as they might fall more often.
Elbow Pads
Another area that you should protect when you fall over is the elbow area. Apart from your hands, the elbows are what you usually use to braise yourself for the impact in case you fall. They come in contact with the ground often so you should make sure that they are very well protected especially for beginners. More experienced longboarders might get used to using their hands when they fall but beginners are likely to use their hands plus their elbows.
Conclusion
These three types of pads will provide adequate protection for various areas in your body that first come in contact with the ground. They are useful for beginners and more experienced users alike but beginners should make sure they have them to help them enjoy the activity even better. By limiting the pain, injury and bruises, beginners will be able to pick themselves up and try again after each fall.
